Warriors win Game 4 115-101, go up 3-1

Curry leads way to 3-1 advantage

Rusty Simmons

Updated 6:59 pm, Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Andrew Bogut (12) signals a defense in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Andrew Bogut (12) signals a defense in the first half. The Golden...

The Knight family (l-r) Tom, Corbin, 7, and Taylor, 11, of San Ramon wait for the start of the game in their Warriors gear. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

The Knight family (l-r) Tom, Corbin, 7, and Taylor, 11, of San...

Andrew Bogut (12) pulls in a rebound in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Andrew Bogut (12) pulls in a rebound in the first half. The Golden...

Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors dunks over JaVale McGee of the Denver Nuggets during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors dunks over JaVale McGee...

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a shot against the Denver Nuggets during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 28, 2013 in Oakland, California.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a shot...

Warriors fans wear the yellow t-shirts with "protect," "battle," and "defend," as players are introduced. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Warriors fans wear the yellow t-shirts with "protect," "battle,"...

Draymond Green (23) celebrates his three point shot in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Stephen Curry (30) pauses for a moment in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Curry (30) pauses for a moment in the first half. The...

David Lee cheers on the team in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

David Lee cheers on the team in the first half. The Golden State...

Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors dives into the crowd to save a ball against the Denver Nuggets during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors dives into the crowd to...

Carl Landry (7) cheers after Andrew Bogut dunked in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Carl Landry (7) cheers after Andrew Bogut dunked in the first half....

Andrew Bogut (12) dunks over Javale McGee in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Andrew Bogut (12) dunks over Javale McGee in the first half. The...

Stephen Curry (30) gets the crowd involved in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Draymond Green pulls in a rebound in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Draymond Green pulls in a rebound in the first half. The Golden...

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a shot against the Denver Nuggets during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a shot...

Denver Nuggets' Ty Lawson hangs on the rim after dunking against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Sunday, April 28, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press

Denver Nuggets' Ty Lawson hangs on the rim after dunking against...

Andrew Bogut (12) dunks over Kenneth Faried (35) in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Andrew Bogut (12) dunks over Kenneth Faried (35) in the first half....

in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver...

Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after hitting a three point shot in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after hitting a three point shot in...

Andrew Bogut (12) and Wilson Chadler (21) go for a rebound in the first half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Andrew Bogut (12) and Wilson Chadler (21) go for a rebound in the...

Andre Iguodala (9) questions a foul call against him in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Andre Iguodala (9) questions a foul call against him in the second...

Stephen Curry's eye is examined by team personell in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Curry's eye is examined by team personell in the second...

Draymond Green (23) gets a hug from Klay Thompson, rear, at the end of the game. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Draymond Green (23) gets a hug from Klay Thompson, rear, at the end...

Scott Machado puts up a shot for his first points in the NBA in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Scott Machado puts up a shot for his first points in the NBA in the...

Fans show their support for Stephen Curry in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Fans show their support for Stephen Curry in the second half. The...

Stephen Curry (30) lays up a shot as he falls in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Stephen Curry (30) lays up a shot as he falls in the second half....

Kenneth Faried dunks the ball in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Kenneth Faried dunks the ball in the second half. The Golden State...

Carl Landry, (7) reacts to an offensive foul turn over in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Carl Landry, (7) reacts to an offensive foul turn over in the...

Draymond Green (23) defends against Ty Lawson (3) in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Draymond Green (23) defends against Ty Lawson (3) in the second...

Denver head coach George Karl watches his team after two technical fouls were called on Anthony Randolph and Andre Miller in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Denver head coach George Karl watches his team after two technical...

Warriors head coach Mark Jackson smiles and pats Stephen Curry on the chest in the second half. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Warriors head coach Mark Jackson smiles and pats Stephen Curry on...

Jeffrey Palk, 7, of Sebastopol, waits with his foam finger on his head for the game to start. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Jeffrey Palk, 7, of Sebastopol, waits with his foam finger on his...

Draymond Green high fives fans after the end of the game. The Golden State Warriors played the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

"I talked to my team before the playoffs, and my message to them was simple: 'Keep a fresh cut,' " Warriors head coach Mark Jackson said. "You want to make sure your haircut looks good, because when we continue to do what we've talked about doing, the media room will be filled, articles will be written and people will be talking about you."

The Warriors are one victory from winning a playoff series after riding Curry's superhero cape tails to a 115-101 win over Denver in Game 4 on Sunday night at Oracle Arena.

The Warriors have a 3-1 series lead over third-seeded Denver and have three chances to clinch a second-round date with the San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors haven't lost three straight games since losing four in a row from Feb. 26 to March 2.

The best-of-seven, first-round series could start ping-ponging between Denver and Oakland, with Tuesday's Game 5 to be played in Denver. If necessary, the Warriors will host Game 6 on Thursday, and Denver would host a seventh game Saturday.

The Warriors led Game 4 for the final 38 minutes, 21 seconds and built their lead to as many as 20 points during Curry's 22-point third quarter. They had 100 points with 7 1/2 minutes still to play and shot 55.7 percent from the floor. They held the Nuggets to 46.5 percent shooting while forcing 23 turnovers.

"I actually took him out in the first half and was considering shutting him down," Jackson said of Curry. "It was almost like a boxer, who knew he was on the ropes. It was just a matter of time, and I guess he realized and sensed it. He captured the moment, embraced the moment."

Curry shook off a badly sprained left ankle that required a pain-killing injection before the game, and the shot-making sensation made 8 of 11 field-goal attempts, including 5 of 8 three-point shots, during his crowd-delighting barrage in the third quarter.

He scored all 22 of the points during a Sleepy Floyd-esque six-minute stretch and connected on the Warriors' final 12 points of period. He played the lead role in a one-man, 12-1 spurt that gave his team a 91-72 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Curry came into Game 4 with 78 points and 33 assists in the series, becoming only the fourth player in league history to post those totals in his first three postseason games, joining Oscar Robertson, Kevin Johnson and Chris Paul.

Curry left Game 4 with 31 more points and seven more assists to become the first Warrior to score 25 or more points in three consecutive postseason games since Tim Hardaway did it in 1991. Curry also left the game with the whites of his right eye stained red from a fourth-quarter gouge, and ESPN analyst Magic Johnson saying the Warriors' point guard officially had reached superstar status.

"Some people might just be coming to the hospital, but the baby has been born already," Jackson said. "We've been watching this all year long. He's made plays. He's carried this team on his back. He's an elite basketball player."

Jarrett Jack added 21 points, nine assists and five rebounds, Carl Landry had 17 points and Klay Thompson (five assists) and Draymond Green (six rebounds) each had 13 points. Andrew Bogut had moments of dominance with 12 points - mostly on statement-sending dunks - to go with five rebounds and two blocked shots.

Curry needed that help early as he sat for 6:13 in the first half and appeared ill with a towel draped around his neck. The majority of the assistance came from Bogut, who had several violent dunks that made him a nationally trending topic on Twitter.

There were nine lead changes in the opening 6:39, but the Warriors did not trail after Bogut's ferocious, one-handed jam over JaVale McGee made it 14-13 with 5:21 on the first-quarter clock.

"He realizes that this is do or die," Jackson said of Bogut. "We need him to be special. ... Without David (Lee), we looked around and said, 'Who's going to pick it up?' He's done it. He's been mean. He's been nasty. He's played with an edge."